What are some effective public consultation practices for landscape architecture?

1 Define the purpose and scope

Before starting any public consultation process, it is important to define the purpose and scope of the project, and communicate them clearly to the participants. This will help to set realistic goals, avoid confusion and frustration, and establish trust and transparency. The purpose and scope should answer questions such as: What are the objectives and outcomes of the project? What are the roles and responsibilities of the designers and the participants? What are the timelines and budgets? How will the feedback be used and reported?

2 Identify and reach out to the stakeholders

The next step is to identify and reach out to the stakeholders, or the people who have an interest or influence in the project, or who will be affected by its results. This may include residents, users, community groups, businesses, local authorities, experts, and others. It is essential to consider the diversity and representation of the stakeholders, and to use appropriate methods and channels to invite and inform them about the project and the consultation opportunities. This may include flyers, posters, emails, social media, websites, newsletters, or media releases.

3 Choose the right methods and tools

There are many methods and tools that can be used for public consultation, depending on the purpose, scope, stage, and budget of the project. Some common methods are surveys, interviews, focus groups, workshops, open houses, exhibitions, online platforms, or interactive maps. Some common tools are questionnaires, feedback forms, maps, models, sketches, photos, videos, or games. The choice of methods and tools should be based on the following criteria: How can they facilitate dialogue and interaction? How can they capture and document the feedback? How can they accommodate different preferences and abilities?

4 Create a positive and engaging atmosphere

One of the key factors for a successful public consultation is to create a positive and engaging atmosphere, where participants feel welcome, comfortable, and valued. This can be achieved by using friendly and respectful language, providing clear and accessible information, offering incentives and recognition, and encouraging feedback and questions. Additionally, it is important to use creative and fun techniques, such as storytelling, visualization, brainstorming, or co-design, to stimulate interest and imagination, and to foster collaboration and innovation.

5 Analyze and synthesize the feedback

After collecting the feedback from the participants, it is necessary to analyze and synthesize it, to identify the main themes, patterns, insights, and suggestions. This can be done by using qualitative and quantitative methods, such as coding, sorting, grouping, ranking, or mapping. The analysis and synthesis should aim to answer questions such as: What are the common and diverse views and values of the participants? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the project? What are the opportunities and challenges for improvement?

6 Share the results and follow up

The final step is to share the results and follow up with the participants, to show them how their feedback has been considered and incorporated into the project, and to thank them for their contribution. This can be done by using various formats and platforms, such as reports, presentations, newsletters, websites, social media, or exhibitions. The sharing and follow up should also include feedback loops, where participants can review and comment on the project progress and outcomes, and where designers can provide updates and responses.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?